GEODIS announced that it has transported 13m masks from China to the U.S. using an Antonov AN-124 aircraft. The Antonov, which GEODIS chartered on behalf of its client, is an aircraft specially designed for transporting large quantities of cargo. It has the added benefit of allowing freight to be rolled on and off the plane, making loading and unloading operations easier and faster.
The shipment of personal protective equipment arrived at Hartsfield – Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 4 p.m. on May 22, 2020 and according to GEODIS is the largest delivered to the airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the help of an Antonov AN-124, GEODIS has been able to make sure millions of workers receive the masks they need during these unprecedented times,” said GEODIS Americas President & CEO Randy Tucker. “Our team at GEODIS and our partners, including the Hartsfield – Jackson Atlanta International Airport helped make this happen so quickly.”
GEODIS established an air bridge between China and France to transport PPE for the French Government as early as March. Involving multiple flights and employing two Antonov AN-124s, the consignments will consist of several hundred million masks.
Source: GEODIS